The house at Cousins looked the same, yet somehow more beautiful than ever. The garden had exploded into color—vibrant daffodils, clusters of tulips, and Susannah's beloved magnolia tree in full bloom. Spring had transformed the beach house, and with it, Susannah Fisher had organized a weekend reunion for her boys, and of course, Belly and Steven.

Belly stepped out onto the back patio, feeling the cool spring breeze brush her face as she looked out at the waves rolling softly onto the shore. The whole place felt wrapped in a quiet calm, the kind that she remembered so well. Even though they were all adults now, coming back to Cousins was like being transported to the carefree days of summer.

"Belly!" Susannah's voice called out from the kitchen, her tone as bright and welcoming as ever. "Come help me with these drinks, darling!"

Belly turned, grinning as she made her way back inside. Susannah was setting up a beautiful spread on the kitchen island, complete with lemonades, fresh fruit, and some pastries she'd baked that morning.

"Oh, Belly," Susannah said warmly, pulling her into a hug. "I've missed having everyone together like this. And in spring! Can you believe we've never had a spring reunion before?"

Belly smiled, feeling that familiar warmth Susannah always gave. "It's perfect. I can't believe how beautiful the garden looks."

"Oh, Conrad and I have been planting since winter," Susannah said, her eyes sparkling. "He's always been good with the garden, you know." Her gaze softened, and she looked out toward the patio where Conrad was now sitting, book in hand, soaking up the afternoon sun.

Just then, Jeremiah and Steven burst through the front door, laughing and carrying bags of snacks and groceries. "We come bearing gifts!" Jeremiah announced with a wide grin, placing the bags down on the counter. He turned, wrapping Belly in a big hug, lifting her off the ground just enough to make her laugh.

"Good to see you too, Jere," she said, shaking her head at his enthusiasm.

The kitchen filled with laughter and conversation as everyone gathered around to help set up for an early dinner. Conrad joined them, sliding his book onto the counter and casting an amused look at Steven, who was attempting to chop vegetables without any real technique.

"Careful, Steven," Conrad teased. "I don't want to spend the evening at the ER because you thought you were a chef."

Steven laughed, rolling his eyes. "Some of us live on the edge, Con. Not all of us have to be careful perfectionists."

Susannah watched them, her eyes filled with a quiet joy as she listened to her boys and their friends tease each other, the kitchen bustling with the kind of energy she loved. After a while, they all moved to the back patio to eat. The table was set with bright, floral plates, pitchers of Susannah's famous lemonade, and a bouquet of freshly picked flowers from the garden.

As they ate, Susannah leaned back, smiling as she looked around the table. "You all make Cousins come alive, you know? I'm so grateful for these moments."

Belly caught Conrad's eye across the table. He gave her a small smile, one of those rare, real smiles that she always loved to see. They didn't need words. It was enough just to be here, surrounded by the people who meant the most to them.

After dinner, they all stayed out on the patio, watching the sky fade from pink to a deep, starry blue. Conrad and Belly wandered down to the beach, the sand cool beneath their feet as they walked in comfortable silence.

"You know, I don't think I've ever seen Cousins like this," Belly said softly, looking out at the calm waves lapping against the shore. "It feels different in the spring."

Conrad nodded, his hands tucked into his pockets as he looked out over the water. "Yeah, it's quieter. But... I don't know. There's something peaceful about it."

They stood there in silence for a moment before Conrad turned to her, his face softened by the dim glow of the porch lights behind them. "Thanks for coming back, Belly. For Mom. It means a lot."

She looked up at him, feeling her heart swell with that familiar feeling that always seemed to rise around Conrad. "You know I'd always come back. For her. And for you."

The corner of his mouth lifted, and he gave her hand a quick, gentle squeeze before letting go, both of them turning back toward the house where Susannah's laughter floated down to them, carried by the breeze. It was a perfect spring night, one that felt like the summers they'd always cherished—but somehow even more precious.